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Reds-Lions build-up

Sky Sports brings you all the best of the build-up to the Lions' tour match with the Reds on Saturday.

Last Updated: 07/06/13 12:11pm

The Lions have already seen up the challenges of the Barbarians and the Western Force, although the Reds are likely to pose the stiffest test so far.

The Reds have named a strong line-up for the clash, while it is all change for the Lions - with only Manu Tuilagi and Tommy Bowe retained in the starting XV.

And ahead of the clash at the Suncorp Stadium, we bring you all the latest news, views, video and opinion.

First appearance for Warburton

Lions captain Sam Warburton will make his long-awaited first appearance on the tour when he leads the side in Saturday's clash with the Reds. A slight knee injury meant Warburton was forced to sit out the comprehensive wins over the Barbarians and the Western Force. However Gethin Jenkins is a late withdrawal through injury, while Ireland full-back Rob Kearney (hamstring) also remains missing. There are also first starts on the tour for Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs and Geoff Parling.

Strong line-up for Reds

The Lions are set to face the toughest test of their tour in Brisbane after the Reds named a strong 23-man squad. The Lions have so far had few issues in brushing aside the Barbarians and the Force in their opening two matches. However the Reds are determined to make life hard for them after naming a line-up that boasts a total of 127 Australia caps - with Quade Cooper, Anthony Faingaa and Ben Tapuai in the starting XV. Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Liam Gill, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Rob Simmons and James Slipper are missing though.

Healy's heartbreak

Lions prop Cian Healy was brought crashing back down to earth when his tour was brought to a premature end just hours after he was cleared by a disciplinary hearing. Healy had earlier spoken of his delight at proving his innocence after being cited for biting Western Force scrum-half Brett Sheehan. However the Irishman will now return home after a scan on the ankle he injured in Perth revealed he had suffered ligament damage. And in a double blow for the Lions, Gethin Jenkins has suffered a recurrence of his calf problems - Scotland's Ryan Grant has been called up as cover.

Gatland closer to Test team

Lions head coach Warren Gatland admits Saturday's game against the Reds is another step nearer to deciding his best team ahead of the first Test. Gatland said: "In fairness to the Western Force team, they played for 80 minutes and didn't throw in the towel, which is exactly what we expected. We are mixing and matching a little, but giving players an opportunity. We said right from the start we would give everyone a start in the first three games, and that's what we've done. Two games and two victories is great, but those two matches are building blocks as we head towards the Test series."

Warburton raring to go

Lions captain Sam Warburton admits he is under pressure to perform when he makes his debut against the Reds on Saturday. Justin Tipuric and Sean O'Brien have both impressed in the wins over the Barbarians and Western Force, and Warburton plans to hit the ground running in Brisbane. He said: "All the back-rowers have done exceptionally well, which makes selection very difficult. I've been thinking about this game for quite a while, it can't come quick enough, and I'm desperate to get out on the pitch."

Expert - A fine start

In his second Lions diary, Miles Harrison reveals how even the commentators battled with the humidity in Hong Kong and the mood from the Lions management as they notched up their second big win of the tour. "Leigh Halfpenny's kicking is world-class again for starters. Brian O'Driscoll and Manu Tuilagi combine well for a second-half score to remember, all initially created by Jonny Sexton. And, when the Lions get their power game running, the Force simply have no answer."

Queensland Reds 8 British and Irish Lions 42

The British and Irish Lions rattled up an impressive 42-8 victory over the Reds in their last clash 12 years ago. Jonny Wilkinson, who has effectively ruled himself out of a call-up to the current tour following an operation, led the way with 17 points in Ballymore, while the Lions ran in five tries. Dafydd James, Richard Hill, Dan Luger, Rob Henderson and current tourist Brian O'Driscoll all crossed during the convincing win. Sam Cordingley scored the only try for the hosts, with Elton Flatley slotting over a penalty. To watch the highlights, then click here

Venue guide - Suncorp Stadium

Originally known as Lang Park, the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane has become a multi-purpose sporting facility. Shaped like a rectangle and with three tiers, the stadium boasts a capacity of 52,500 - and has hosted football, rugby league and rugby union matches, as well as concerts. The Reds, Brisbane Broncos and Brisbane Roar are all current tenants, while the Brisbane Strikers and South Queensland Crushers previously played there. In 2008 it was used for the final of the Rugby League World Cup.

Latest Sky Bet odds

The Lions have had a comfortable start to their 2013 tour, however they face a much sterner test against the Queensland Reds on Saturday. For their third outing the Lions start with a -18 handicap at 10/11 whereas previously they had a -21 against the Barbarians and -43 against Western Force. Captain Sam Warburton comes into the side having missed the opening two games and will become the 800th player to represent the prestigious Lions.

Lions in Brisbane

The best of the pictures as the Lions prepare to face the Reds in Brisbane. Click here